pages: RecreationandParkCommission/2008-10-09.pdf, 3
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RecreationandParkCommission | 2008-10-09 | 3 | B. Review and Discussion of Drought Field Use Policy - (Discussion/Action Item) The Recreation and Park Commission reviewed the status report provided by Park Manager on the Drought Field Use Policy and EBMUD water restrictions. Director Lillard stated that the situation has not changed and EBMUD is still requiring a 30% reduction in water use. Even with limited use and constant monitoring of field use we are still showing a great amount of stress on the turf areas. Staff has been in close contact with EBMUD and they do not anticipate lifting the water restrictions until February 2009, when the snow pack studies will be completed. Chair Ogden asked if water allocation restrictions we being met. Director Lillard stated yes. Director Lillard stated that staff recently received notice from EBMUD stating that they will allow us to poll the water meters. As an example, this will allow us to use less water at Neptune Park (a passive park), and possibly use more water at a heavily used soccer field. Between this polling and the rainy season, staff hopes the fields will be back in good shape/condition. Director Lillard stated that staff would like to extend the Drought Field Use Policy and bring back the issue to the Commission in February 2009, after the water studies by EBMUD have been done. Director Lillard stated that staff is recommending continuing to implement the Drought Field Use Policy which is as follows: Limit the use of City of Alameda fields to Alameda residents only during the drought restrictions. Resident use includes the Recreation Department, AUSD Schools, and Alameda non-profit organization use with 75% residents. Groups not meeting the requirement would not be allowed use fields during this time. Darren Wright, coach from Patton University, stated that they usually use the Alameda Point Multipurpose Field for practices and games. Games begin in January which makes their spring training in the fall. They are not a league, but are one team who would like to use the field for just six hours per week (12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday). Mr. Wright was requesting permission to use the field. Director Lillard stated that it is not an isolated use it is a combination of all uses. Staff has talked to approximately 30 different groups that have been turned down in the last month because they are trying to protect the fields and keep use down to local teams/groups. Commissioner Sonneman stated that if we did not have the water restrictions it would not be an issue. Director Lillard stated that even when the water restrictions are lifted, staff will still need to look at the amount of use on the fields by local groups. Requests have dramatically increased. Two years ago staff was not receiving field use requests from Pop Warner - 3 - Recreation & Park Commission Mtg Minutes - Thursday, October 9, 2008 | RecreationandParkCommission/2008-10-09.pdf |